Military Family Housing Renovations Facts

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Collins | Due to the current condition and age of military housing in Okinawa, a housing renovation program is in the works that will ultimately result in higher-quality military housing across the island.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.29.2017

Story by Cpl. Jessica Collins 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Due to the current condition and age of military housing in Okinawa, a housing renovation program is in the works that will ultimately result in higher-quality military housing across the island.
The 18th Wing, the executive agent for all military housing in Okinawa, received nearly $600 million in funds for the "Get Well" program, a five-year renovation program to improve on-base housing options.
“Many military family housing units are near the end of service life and require major renovations, while others are due for refurbishment,” said Navy Capt. Chad Brooks, assistant chief of staff, Facilities Engineer Division, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
Okinawa is home to approximately 29,000 U.S. service members, military family members and civilian personnel. In the past, military housing was able to accommodate 75 percent of military and key civilian personnel with on-base lodging.
“The renovations will cause an increase in the number of accompanied service members living off-base from one out of every four families to one out of every three families,” said Brooks.
Service members new to the island will be notified if they will be living on-base or off-base within 14 days of checking into the Military Family Housing Office aboard Kadena Air Base. Personnel currently residing in on-base housing will be notified within one year of their home’s scheduled renovation and impending move. All moves due to housing renovations are government funded.
“People should know there are upfront costs associated with moving off base; however, most costs associated with the actual move are reimbursable,” said Brooks. “Additionally, there are several entitlements intended to help defray costs, such as Temporary Lodging, Dislocation, and Overseas Housing. Individuals are encouraged to use options such as pay advances in order to lessen the potential for any financial hardship.”
The housing office will provide a list of approved off-base housing agencies to service members required to live off base. All the listed agencies have English-speaking staff that will help service members find a place to live, as well as offer information about school zones. School zone information can also be found at the following web site (map on last page): http://www.dodea.edu/Pacific/south/upload/School_and_Bus_Commuting_Zones_SY_
13-14_Final.pdf.
Children of military personnel living off base will still have the same option to attend schools located on military installations. Individual schools and transportation resources are associated with specific housing areas and should be reviewed when selecting housing.
Living off base in Okinawa comes with challenges and opportunities. Though many Okinawa residents speak some English, and aspects of American culture can be found throughout the island, there are also plenty of chances to enjoy and learn more about a new culture, language and the people of Okinawa.
“Okinawa is a perfect place for families,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Brittany James, an off-base housing beneficiary. Japan loves children and creates an amazing environment that influences them to get outside and be active.”
More information about on- and off-base housing is available on the MCIPAC Welcome Aboard website at: http://www.mcbbutler.marines.mil/Welcome-Aboard/Housing/ and the 18th Wing, Okinawa Housing website at: http://www.housing.af.mil/Units/Okinawa.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2017
• Date Posted: 03.29.2017 01:30
• Story ID: 228399
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP